Flavio Briatore, former director of Formula One teams Benetton and Renault,
told the German press on Wednesday that he feels Michael Schumacher's return
to Formula One was 'a huge mistake'.

Since his return to Formula Onethis season with Mercedes GP, seven-times world championSchumacherhas finished no higher than fourth and is currently ninth in the world drivers' championships after 14 races.

"(Michael) believed at the time of signing his contract that he had made a good decision, but I think he realised from the first serious testings that it was a huge mistake," said Briatore.

"At that point, he realised that the young drivers are alarmingly fast and motivated.

"At 41, Michael can simply no longer compete with (Nico) Rosberg and all the other guys."

Briatore was managing director when Schumacher won the first two of his seven world titles in 1994 and 1995 at Benetton.